Digital Playground has announced that director and company co-owner Joone's R-rated version of its 2005 release Pirates will open the Great Lakes Film Festival tonight.
The Pennsylvania-based event will include celebrities, parties, film screenings, award ceremonies and a networking atmosphere. Erie Times News correspondent Dave Richards explained, "this is a festival where people who are passionate about films get a chance to show their work before the public and get some feedback. Both sides can talk to each other about movies, the business, or whatever's on their mind. This festival seeks out the best and brightest of independent film and filmmakers."
"I have always viewed the adult industry as a viable outlet for independent filmmaking,” said Joone. “The distribution lines allow for visibility and profit as long you can incorporate sex scenes into your film. Even with multiple ratings, Pirates is a true independent film. It's an honor to be here presenting the film and to be opening the festival."
The Great Lakes Film Association (GLFA) showcases new independent films and by awarding filmmakers. The film festival has showcased over 250 films over the past 4 years including numerous films that have been aired on HBO, PBS, and the Sundance channel. This year's event kicks off with two short narrative shorts, followed by Digital Playground's Pirates. Following the showing, Joone, and lead actress, Jesse Jane will participate in a meet and greet and formal Q & A forum with over 250 members of the association. A Pirates after party, attended by Joone and Jane, will commence follow. The festival will continue through Sunday, featuring narrative shorts and films, documentaries, animated and experimental productions, as well as contributions in the horror and spiritual genres.
In May of 2006, Joone's Pirates become the first adult movie to successfully crossover, receiving an R Rating from the MPAA and mainstream distribution from MTI. Hot on the tails of the platinum sales of the original XXX version, the R-rated DVD began shipping in record numbers in July of 2006. In September, Digital Playground released a stand-alone soundtrack for Pirates. The Pirates soundtrack is the first adult soundtrack to standalone in the digital revolution and the first to acquire successful and visible mainstream distribution."
Shot on location in California and off the coast of Florida by Digital Playground and Adam & Eve, Pirates was released as an adult feature in September of 2005. It stars Jesse Jane, Carmen Luvana, Janine, Teagan Presley, Devon, Austyn Moore and Jenaveve Jolie. The title earned several AVN Awards, including nods for Best Video, Best DVD, and Best High Definition Production, plus Best Director, Video, as well as three acting awards and four others.
In May, a version of Pirates received an R-rating in May from the Motion Picture Association of America for worldwide distribution.
For more information go to www.digitalplayrground.com.
